His knee is almost touching hers.
I swear to fucking god. . .
“Don’t hesitate to call me,” he tells her in a hushed tone that doesn’t sound like him. Almost too soft.
She nods her head eyes just as soft.
“I think it’s time for you to go,” I say to Crow in a steely tone.
He shifts slightly to look over his shoulder at me. His green eyes returning to stone. He has no intention on moving.
Nora spares a quick glance at me and must know what’s going on inside my head because she says to Crow softly, “It would be wise if you listened to him.”
At the sound of her voice he shifts his head back towards her. Nodding his head he then rises. Before he leaves he says to her, “Promise to stay in touch.”
“Not fucking likely,” I reply for her.
Crow doesn’t acknowledge me but with one subtle nod from Nora he decides what’s best for him and finally leaves.
“What the fuck was that?” I demand of her.
“Oak,” Grace admonishes but she doesn’t understand. She doesn’t know that Crow was involved with Lana. That he was the one she decided was better than me. I don’t give a fuck if Crow said he didn’t know. It still burns. It still fucking hurts. But Nora knows of Crow’s deeds..
Nora doesn’t flinch from my tone but I don’t expect her to. Growing up she adopted many of my character traits. Being brutally stubborn one of them.
“It’s okay, Grace,” Nora says for me. Then rising from the leather couch she closes the distance. She smiles warmly at Grace who stands besides me. “I think Ethan and I need a minute alone.”
She mouths up at me,Ethan, with a raised brow. I can’t believe in all this time that I’ve known her I’ve never told her my real name. But then again I haven’t felt like Ethan since I’ve come back home.
“I’ll see you in a bit, okay?” I tell her hoping that she’ll read the situation without given much context.
“Okay but be nice to her. She is your sister,” she says to me. Then turning to Nora she envelopes her in her arms. Nora has to slightly bend down given her height. “I’m glad I finally got to meet you. Oak talks so highly of you. I hope you reconsider about coming to my graduation party. I’m sure everyone will love to see you there.”
“I’ll try,” she says tentatively. Grace smiles at her one last time and subtly touches my bicep before she walks away.
I have to stop myself from watching her as she goes.
When the room is clear Nora throws her arms around me. And although I’m confused as fuck about what’s going on between her and Crow and I might be pissed I still welcome her in my arms.
I love my sister to death. Will do anything for her. All I want is for her to be safe, protected and happy.
I wrap my arms around her and squeeze a bit too hard. Just like when we were kids.
“It’s been too long since your last visit, Nor.”
“I missed you, too.”
We finally let go and I get a good look at her.
Her blue eyes, the same icy shade as mine don’t appear as vacant as they used to be. No dark circles under her eyes from lack of sleep due to her nightmares. Her auburn hair is swept up in a low ponytail with loose tendrils framing her face. She doesn’t look stressed or tired.
She looks healthy.
The only thing that hasn’t changed since the incident is that she’s still wearing clothes that are too big for her.
“I like her,” she says to me with a soft smile. “She’s incredibly kind.”
“Too kind,” I mutter understand my breath. I always worry that one day that kind heart of hers will only hurt her. And I’m terrified of being the one to cause the damage.
